Traveling to Italy with a ‘Super Green’ Pass for Covid-19

Since December 6, 2021, Italy has been using a two-tiered Green Pass system. The ‘Super Green‘ Pass is now required for anyone over 12 years old to enter most hospitality venues, use public transport, and participate in activities. Starting February 1, 2022, the original Green Pass is also necessary to access places like “non-essential” shops, banks, and post offices.

As of February 1, 2022, the renewal period for Green Passes has been reduced from 9 to 6 months for vaccinated and recovered individuals. However, those who have received a booster shot will have an unlimited pass validity. These rules are expected to be in place at least until March 31.

Italy’s Covid ‘Super Green’ Pass

While this process is straightforward for Italians, it can be confusing for travelers from the EU or other regions. Let’s break down what the Covid Digital Certificate is and what the two-tiered ‘Super Green’ Pass and Green Pass system mean for you.

Where Can You Go in Italy with a Covid ‘Super Green’ Pass vs. an Original Green Pass From February 1, 2022?

Whether you’re coming from the EU or a non-EU country like the US, you must fill out the EU Digital Passenger Locator Form when traveling to Italy.

Starting February 1, 2022, a Covid Green Pass is required to enter “non-essential” shops, public offices, banks, post offices, tobacco shops, bookstores, newsstands, and shopping centers. Additionally, if you’re unvaccinated, you’ll need an original Green Pass to enter hair salons, barbershops, and beauty salons.

The ‘Super Green’ Pass is required for access to events, venues, and services such as cinemas, theaters, nightclubs, sports events, stadiums, public ceremonies like weddings, indoor bars, restaurants, museums, and cultural centers. According to guidelines from January 10, the Super Green Pass is also mandatory for all local and long-distance public transport. This means proof of vaccination or recent recovery from Covid-19 is necessary whether you’re traveling by bus, metro, plane, or ferry; a negative test alone is no longer sufficient.

From February 15, workers above 50 years old can only enter their workplace with a valid Super Green Pass. However, the rules remain the same for those under 50, who can use the original Green Pass to access workplaces.

You can still access essential services in Italy without a Green Pass, including food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, opticians, police stations, and places selling fuel and pet food. Non-vaccinated travelers are still welcome in Italy and can stay in our luxury villas. Our villa specialists and award-winning concierge will assist you in making the most of your holiday and provide guidance on available services in Italy.

Travelers from countries not on the EU “safe list” may face stricter travel restrictions, including quarantine rules if they are unvaccinated.

We will keep you updated on Italy’s travel news as these guidelines evolve.

Italy’s Four-Tier System: What Do Different Color Zones Mean?

Italy classifies regions into colored zones based on transmission rates and hospitalizations. The four zones are white (safest), yellow (safer), orange (medium risk), and red (high risk).

The ‘Super Green’ Pass allows access to venues like pubs, restaurants, bakeries, and theaters in yellow, orange, and red zones, which would otherwise have restrictions and closures. The original Green Pass is valid for transport, pools, gyms, museums, and ski lifts in white zones but not in orange or red zones, where the Super Green Pass is required.

Please note that some Super Green Pass regulations may vary by region. For example, for ski lifts:

• White zone: A normal green pass is valid.
• Orange zone: A ‘super green’ pass is required.
• Red zone: Closed to all.

It’s essential to check the updated guidelines for the specific region you’re visiting before traveling, and our travel specialists can assist with this.

Accepted Vaccines for Proof in Italy:

Accepted vaccines in Italy include Comirnaty/Pfizer-BioNtech, Spikevax/Moderna, Vaxzevria/Astra-Zeneca, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Teachers, police, and military personnel in Italy are also required to be vaccinated.

Who Can Download Italy’s Digital Super Green Pass?

Anyone fully vaccinated or recently recovered from Covid-19 within the last 6 months can download the Super Green Pass, which is valid for 6 months before renewal. If you’ve had at least one vaccine dose, tested negative, or recovered from Covid-19 in Italy, you can still download the digital Green Pass.

For those vaccinated in Italy, you’ll usually receive an AUTHCODE (QR code) by email or SMS within 48 hours. You can download the EU Digital Covid Certificate in English, French, German, or Italian. If you don’t receive your AUTHCODE, you can request one online, through the regional health system, or from your GP/pharmacy.

What Does the Super Green Pass Mean for Foreign Travelers?

All travelers, including recent arrivals, must follow local travel regulations in their visited Italian region, adhering to Super Green and Green Pass rules.

What Does the Green Pass Mean for EU Travelers?

The Italian Green Pass is equivalent to the European Digital Covid Certificate (EUDCC) used since July 2021. Many EU countries are implementing similar restrictions to Italy’s Super Green Pass.

After vaccination or testing in an EU country, you’ll receive the EU Covid Certificate, valid in all EU countries and the Schengen area. If you’re from the EU, your country’s equivalent travel pass will work. You can also request a paper version. Both digital and paper certificates have QR codes to verify authenticity.

What Does Italy’s Green Pass Mean for Non-EU Travelers?

Non-European travelers from countries compatible with the European Commission’s program can obtain an EU Digital COVID Certificate. Over 40 countries participate, including Switzerland, Israel, Iceland, and Turkey. Travelers from Canada, Japan, the UK, and the USA can present their national health authorities’ Covid Green Certificates in paper or digital formats. It’s advisable to carry a paper certificate in case of smartphone issues.

Accepted Equivalent Green Passes in Italy Include:

• Israeli Green Pass
• CDC-approved vaccination cards from the US
• Government-issued vaccination certificates from Japan
• NHS Pass or certificates from the UK

Travelers from Canada, Israel, Japan, or the USA can use proof of vaccination to avoid quarantining in Italy.

Traveling to Italy from the UK:

Fully vaccinated travelers from the UK with a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours or a rapid lateral flow test within 24 hours won’t need to self-isolate upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers will need private transport to their destination and a 5-day self-isolation, followed by a test.

The UK Digital NHS COVID Pass is equivalent to Italy’s Super Green Pass. It proves full vaccination and can be acquired through the NHS app. A booster dose or Covid-19 recovery with two doses ensures indefinite validity. Printed proof must date from November 1 for successful scanning.

QR Codes from Other Apps:

Travelers with paper certificates or QR codes from other EU countries, such as the NHS Pass,